This resource focusses on learners working out the names of the main bones within the human body and then using their knowledge of these bones to complete the activity. In this project learners will learn about the movement of the bones in the human body. They will then make their own dancing skeleton from card. Finally, they will test their skeleton and observe how it works. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about human anatomy. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the human body, mechanisms and movements, or designing and making products within a Halloween-themed context, alongside other IET Halloween themed resources. Activity: Making a dancing skeleton with movable arms and legs Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn all about the skeleton – what it is, it’s function and importance within the human body. Tools/supplies needed: Scissors Card or cardboard Glue Paper fasteners String Drinking straws Tape Eraser or ball of sticky tack Optional: thin wood/bamboo skewers with the points removed Extension Can you add linkages to make the body move differently? Or make more than one limb move at the same time? Can you make the arms and legs bend at the elbows and knees? The Engineering Context Understanding about how something works helps engineers understand how to improve it. It can also give inspiration for other products or objects. Learning how the human body works and moves can help Engineers to transfer this into other objects, such as walking robots or prosthetic limbs. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to know what is meant by a skeleton, be able to name and locate major bones in the human body and be able to make a model of a skeleton using graphics materials. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to make a flapping bat decoration. They will learn about the history of Halloween and why bats are an important part of it. They will then learn how to make a simple mechanism for a flapping bat. Finally, they will test and adjust their flapping bat and observe how it works. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about basic marking out, testing and model making skills. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on designing and making products within a Halloween-themed context, alongside other IET Halloween themed resources. Activity: Making a flapping bat for a Halloween decoration Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering and make a flapping bat to decorate their home or classroom. Tools/supplies needed: Printed template Good quality card (corrugated or grey card) String Small change, 1p or 2p pieces, washers or small weights Scissors Sticky tape A stick to hold the bat Black paint Pencil Googly eyes (optional) Craft knife Extension Make another bat from thin painted plywood to make it more weatherproof Cut out shapes to make another type of animal - for example, birds or pterodactyls Research more about bats and how they act The Engineering Context Engineers can learn a lot from nature in terms of how to design and make products and structures. For example, how bats fly and ‘see’ in the dark – this is similar to the principles of sonar and radar. Iterative design is a key strategy for engineers to use when designing and producing ideas for products. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology with Engineering, with the aim learners will be able to understand the origins of Halloween and how it is celebrated today; be able to make a flapping bat decoration for Halloween; be able to test and balance the bat decoration to make it work well; and understand how iterative design works and is how it is used. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to make a spider’s web decoration. They will learn about the history of Halloween and why spiders and spiders’ webs are an important part of it. They will then use threads to make their own spiders web on a card backing. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about threading and simple textiles hand-making skills. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on designing and making products within a Halloween-themed context, alongside other IET Halloween themed resources. **Activity: Making a spider’s web for Halloween ** Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn why spider’s make webs, to explore the properties of spider’s webs and use their finding to create their own web using string or wool. **Tools/supplies needed: ** String or wool (or cotton for the extension) Scissors and/or craft knife A large piece of corrugated cardboard e.g. from the side of a box Optional Spider cut-outs Googly eyes Glue gun or superglue The Engineering Context Engineers can learn a lot from nature in terms of how to design and make products and structures. For example how spiders’ webs influence the design of suspension bridges. **Suggested learning outcomes ** This resource combines Design and Technology with Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to understand the origins of Halloween and how it is celebrated today, know how a spider makes its web and be able to use thread and knots to construct a spiders’ web. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of World War 2 to learn about how FM radio was used by the Allied forces during the war. They will then assemble a circuit that acts as an FM radio receiver. Finally, they will test their circuit to see how well it works. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about how radio and radio systems work, and how to assemble a radio receiver circuit. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on electronic systems and circuits, or as part of a wider theme-based project on World War 2. This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of the second world war to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on learners assembling an FM radio receiver circuit. This is a challenging activity that involves assembling a bought-in kit of parts using soldering irons. It is aimed at Year 6 pupils with good ability in Design & Technology. Tools/supplies needed: Solder FM radio kit including PCB and all required components Soldering irons Soldering iron stand and damp sponge Desk protector board Safety glasses Wire cutters Wire strippers Extension Design a casing for the radio circuit Make a model of your casing in card Design a carry case for the radio The Engineering Context Engineers need to be able to understand how electronic circuits are made and how they work, for example how to construct and investigate the function of a radio circuit. Engineers need to understand the historical context of different technological inventions, such as radio, and how they were used. This helps them to learn from mistakes made and produce improved products and systems. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to understand how FM radio was used during the second world war, to be able to make and test an FM radio receiver circuit and to be able to use circuit assembly and soldering equipment safely. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Learn about flight and making a successful paper aeroplane. Learners will make a launching mechanism to propel a paper plane further than they could throw it. Finally, they will test their launchers and observe how they work. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners basic marking out and model making skills. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history and development of design, technology and engineering, alongside other flight-themed IET resources. This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of the second world war to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource was inspired by the theme of flight. It supports the teaching of design and technology in context by making a paper aeroplane and launching device. Tools/supplies needed: Thick paper or card A4 Scissors Pencil Ruler Elastic band Paper clips Tape or stapler Extension Add decoration such as camouflage to your launcher What happens if you use a shorter or longer elastic band? Could you improve this launching device using other materials? The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about how mechanisms are used to help create enhanced movement, such as the catapult for launching panes from carriers. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to make and test a paper aeroplane and launcher and be able to develop practical skills in manipulating materials skilfully. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of World War 2 to learn about the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign and how it was used during the war. They will then design their own garden, considering the types of fruit and vegetables that could be grown within it. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about sustainable ingredients and how these can be grown at home. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on food preparation and nutrition, or as part of a wider theme-based project on World War 2. Learners could subsequently choose one of their class designs and plant the garden. This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of the second world war to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on learners designing a ‘Dig for Victory’ garden. Tools/supplies needed: Squared paper Rulers Pencil/pens Coloured pencils Extension Create a table showing which fruits and vegetables will be seeds and which will be seedlings Design a poster to encourage your neighbours to ‘Dig for Victory’ The Engineering Context Food scientists need to understand how different items of food are grown to meet different nutritional needs. For example, growing on a small scale to provide food for a family. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology with Cooking and Nutrition, with the aim that the learners will be able to be able to understand what the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign was and why it was used during WW2 and be able to design a ‘Dig for Victory’ garden where a household can grow its own food. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

**Learn about the protection given to people in the Second World War and make a model of an Anderson shelter from card. ** Activity: Create a cardboard model of a World War 2 air raid shelter This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of the second world war to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource was inspired by the themes of the World War 2 and Flight. It supports the teaching of design and technology in context by making a model of an Anderson (air raid) shelter using graphic materials. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about The Second World War. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on structures or as a focussed practical task focussed on model making. Tools/supplies needed: Scissors Card or cardboard (cereal box) Glue sticks Masking tape (optional) Coloured pens/pencils Extension Design a suitable layout for the interior – what would be needed? How would you arrange everything? Remember a whole family would be inside! The Engineering Context Understanding about how to keep people safe inspires engineers to develop new materials, objects and structures. This develops the world we live in and improves the quality of living for all. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering with History , with the aim that the learners will be able to know what is meant by an Anderson Shelter and be able to follow instructions and model an idea accurately. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this KS3 activity, learners will make use of the theme of new and future technologies to design a futuristic backpack. This KS3 classroom activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about designing textile and graphics-based products in context, or the use of new technologies within designs. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on the design process. We’ve created this design teaching resource activity to support the delivery of key topics within design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity Learners will be introduced to the purpose of backpacks and how they are used across a wide range of different people. They will then produce a labelled sketch of their design idea to meet the given design brief and criteria. Learners can self or peer-assess their design work suggesting any improvements that could be made. Brief: Design the dream backpack of the future. Criteria: The design must include a way of comfortably wearing the backpack on the back, spaces to carry different items, colours that show personality and clever STEM gadgets and special tech that allow it to do incredible things. Considerations: Originality: How original is the idea? Feasibility: How feasible is it that the design can be turned into a real-life prototype? Creativity: How creative is the idea? Engineering: What engineering processes have been used in the design? ** Evaluation** Evaluate how well the design meets the design criteria: Which points does it meet? How? Which points does it not meet? Why? How could you improve your design? Possible extension Make a prototype or model of your backpack design Design a backpack for doctors or paramedics to carry their medical equipment Design a backpack for your favourite sports star The Engineering Context Engineers need to understand how materials and new technologies could be used to produce improved future product designs. For example, how sustainable materials, materials with improved properties or renewable energy could be used in backpack design in the future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines design and technology with engineering with the aim that the learners will be able to understand the purpose and different uses of backpacks and be able to design the backpack of the future. Download our activity sheet for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and helpful PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this KS2 teaching resource activity learners will make use of the theme of new and future technologies to design a futuristic backpack. They will discuss the purpose of backpacks and why they are used. They will then produce a labelled sketch of their design idea to meet the given design brief and criteria. This KS2 classroom activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about designing textile and graphics-based products in context, or the use of new technologies within designs. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on the design process. Learners can self or peer-assess their design work suggesting any improvements that could be made. We’ve created this design teaching resource activity to support the delivery of key topics within design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Tools/supplies needed: Pens, pencils and coloured pencils A3 or A4 paper Brief - Design your dream backpack of the future. Criteria - Your design must include a way of comfortably wearing the backpack on the back, spaces to carry different items, colours that show your personality and clever STEM gadgets and special tech that allow you to do incredible things. Considerations: Originality: How original is the idea? Feasibility: How feasible the design, can it be turned into a real-life prototype? Creativity: How creative is the idea? Engineering: What engineering processes has been used in the design? Possible extension Make a prototype or model of your backpack design Design a backpack for doctors or paramedics to carry their medical equipment Design a backpack for your favourite sports star The Engineering Context Engineers need to understand how materials and new technologies could be used to produce improved future product designs. For example, how sustainable materials, materials with improved properties or renewable energy could be used in backpack design in the future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines design and technology with engineering with the aim that the learners will be able to understand the purpose and different uses of backpacks and be able to design the backpack of the future. Download our activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and helpful PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this fun activity, students will be designing and making a pewter cast medal for a sporting event, such as the Olympics or Football World Cup. We introduce the concept of CAD design, pewter casting and how this can be used to create something for a major event. Metal casting is a manufacturing process that involves pouring molten metal into a mould to create a 3D metal part. The mould contains a hollow cavity of a desired geometrical shape, and the molten metal is allowed to cool down to form a solidified part. The term ‘casting’ also refers to the part made by the casting process, which dates back 6000 years. Students will look at designing the medal, casting the pewter and fettling, and finish the medal. Download the activity sheets for free! And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org

Design the sports stadium of the future Millions of people from all over the world attend sporting events each year. Can your students design a stadium that will not only meet their needs, but also leaves a future legacy from the competition? In this fun STEM activity, learners will use the theme of sport to design a futuristic sports stadium. They will think about the main design considerations and requirements for the stadium. They will then produce annotated sketches of their idea and think about how it could be used after the event has taken place. This could be used as a one-off main lesson activity to develop designing and sketching skills. Alternatively, it could be used as a part of a wider scheme of work to develop designing and modelling skills in Design and Technology and Engineering. Download the activity sheets for free! And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation

In this fun STEM activity for secondary school students, learners are challenged to design and create a prototype Smart Beacon which will be used to communicate information to cyclists. When used, together with other Beacons, along a route, cyclists will be able to identify a safe cycling route which they can use. The Beacon must contain electronic components to allow it to communicate information to cyclists. This may be done by reacting to external conditions e.g., light or temperature and then sending a signal to the cyclists who pass it on their route. The aim of this challenge is to introduce students to technology which engineers use and will be using in the future. This challenge will work best if you have access to 3D printers at your school or a local venue. The use of 3D printers can be substituted for making prototypes out of cardboard, as many conceptual designs are created by engineers. However, running this challenge could be a great opportunity to make links with a local university, college or industry. Designed for six teams of six students (36 students in total) aged 12 – 13 years (year 8, and equivalent), this fun challenge encourages the development of students’ problem solving, team working and communication skills. This activity can be tailored to the needs of your school and your students by adapting the PowerPoint presentation and the editable student booklet. What’s included? The complete set of downloadable materials includes: Teachers pack A list of the practical materials needed, presenters’ notes highlighting key areas and reinforcing key themes throughout the day, some handy hints on how to deliver the day . . . plus printable Faradays currency and student certificates. Student booklet Available an editable MSWord document to allow the booklet to be adapted to meets the needs of your students and your school. Introductory PowerPoint presentation A step-by-step guide for your students throughout the day, with supporting notes for the delivery of the presentation. Film clips and sound effects The engineering context More and more people are taking to cycling for competition, personal transport and leisure. The benefits of cycling are obvious; it is enjoyable, cost effective, improves fitness and is a sustainable way to travel. IET Faraday® DIY Challenge Day We have provided a set of printable resources and guidelines notes giving teachers and technicians the basic ingredients to run their very own Faraday Challenge Day. This cross-curricular activity day brings science, design and technology, engineering and maths (STEM) together in an engaging way. Download all documents for free! All online resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and the student booklet and PowerPoint presentation are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this engaging design and technology project for KS2, students will build a model of the Leonardo da Vinci bridge where the parts are not joined together… This activity will teach learners about the use of simple construction techniques as they assemble a working, load-bearing bridge. The bridge can then be tested to destruction, which can help learners understand the forces that act on bridges and how to design them to be strong and stable. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning about structures and Design for Living. It can be adapted to different age groups and abilities and can be used to teach a variety of concepts, such as forces, structures, and materials. Activity: How to make a Leonardo da Vinci bridge This resource is part of a set designed to help learners use seasonal themes to support the delivery of key topics in Design and Technology and Engineering. This resource is part of a group for the Summer and can be used in school or at home. It involves building a load-bearing bridge structure made up of simple members without any joining methods. This activity is aimed at the high end of Key Stage 2 and should be carried out in pairs or small groups, as a minimum of two pairs of hands are needed, along with some dexterity. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 60-90 minutes to complete. Teachers can download the activity sheet below for a detailed lesson plan. Parents can download the family activity for a step-by-step guide on how to help their children build a Leonardo Da Vinci bridge at home. The engineering context Using scale models is a development tool used in many areas of Engineering. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will understand how forces can act on parts of a structure to make it stand without extra support or joining methods, and they will look at the engineering work of Leonardo da Vinci. Download the free activity sheet below! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this hands-on design and technology project for KS3, students will unleash their creativity and artistic flair as they tie-dye picnic blankets. Through the fascinating art of tie-dyeing, they will explore colour combinations, patterns, and techniques, making their picnic blankets functional and uniquely stylish. Activity: Make a tie dye picnic blanket This activity is part of a series of free STEM resources created to enable students to enhance their understanding and proficiency in Design and Technology, Engineering, Science, and Mathematics, all while incorporating summer-related themes. This particular resource is perfect for the summer season and can be undertaken within a school setting or from the comfort of one’s home. Learners will produce samples for a picnic blanket using different tie-dyeing techniques to add visual interest. They will then produce a full-sized version using their favourite technique or design. This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach learners about dyeing techniques within textiles or as part of a wider scheme of learning covering manufacturing processes and finishing techniques. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take approximately 70-100 minutes to complete. Download the activity sheet below for a step-by-step guide on how to tie-dye a blanket that can be used during summer picnics! What materials will you need? Squeezy bottles; Fabric dye; Elastic bands/string; Plastic gloves; washing up bowl; Salt, if required. The engineering context Our clothing comes in a diverse array of colours to avoid monotony. Engineers and designers employ various finishing techniques on a wide range of materials, including textiles. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what is meant by tie-dyeing and its applications, they will be able to produce samples for picnic blankets using different tie-dyeing techniques, and they will be able to produce a full-size picnic blanket using tie-dyeing. Download the free activity sheet below! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by investigating the key inventions made during the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked. They will then discuss how technology and engineering moved forward during the Victorian era, before researching at least one engineering invention made during that time. They will then present their findings to the class. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the impact of Victorian inventions on modern engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Using the internet to research engineering inventions that were made during the Victorian era. Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will then go on to use the internet to research one engineering invention that was made during the Victorian era and produce a short presentation about it which they should make to the class. Tools/supplies needed: Computers with internet and presentation software Whiteboard projector or interactive whiteboard The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography or electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering with History, Literacy and Computing/ICT with the aim that the learners will be able to research engineering inventions that were made during the Victorian era and understand the impact of Victorian inventions on engineering and society today. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

With our history of design KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners will make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by making a pinhole camera based on early Victorian photography technology. In this classroom project learners will learn about early camera obscuras developed during the Victorian era. They will then make their own pinhole camera from a small shoebox, based on this early technology. Finally, they will test their camera and observe how it works. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners basic marking out and model making skills. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian-themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era Learners will discuss the origins of cameras and photography in Britain and the United Kingdom including the fact that in Victorian times many women took up taking photos as a hobby. Learns will then make their own pinhole camera and test it by going into a dark room, turning on a lamp and pointing the camera towards it. Tools/supplies needed: Cardboard box or shoebox Wax paper Parcel tape Craft knife Scissors Pin to make the pinhole Pencil and ruler Follow our step-by-step guide to make a pinhole camera The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology, Maths and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will know what is meant by the Victorian era and the dates it covered, be able to make and test a pinhole camera and be able to explain how the pinhole camera works. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

With our history of design and technology and engineering KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners produce a timeline of key events that took place during the Victorian era. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by looking at the key events that defined the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering developments and society today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked during this time. They will then produce a timeline of key events that occurred from when Queen Victoria was born to when she died. For example, the opening of the London Underground and the development of the first national police force. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the influence of historical events on engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within history of design, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Producing a timeline of key events that took place during the Victorian era Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will then go onto producing a timeline of key events that occurred during the Victorian era, adding pictures to make the timeline more engaging to look at. Tools/supplies needed: Pens and pencils Ruler The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography or electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will be able to produce a timeline of key events that occurred during the Victorian era and understand how the Victorian era shaped engineering and society today. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

In this activity students will learn about hypotheses by looking at heart rate data and how the use of computer games affects fitness. This lesson follows our Wii Fitness activity, which provides students with an opportunity to collect fitness data which they can use as evidence to debate whether people should be encouraged to engage in computer-based sport activities. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the class teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within mathematics and science. Activity: Making hypotheses on how the use of computer games affects fitness In this activity students will review their results from our Wii Fitness investigation to form a hypothesis on how different activities affect heart rates. Students must consider the validity and size of the data set collected and work through a series of questions to explore if the data is sufficient to confirm their initial hypotheses. Download our activity overview for a starter lesson plan on hypotheses for free! The engineering context Engineering often involves problem-solving, and hypothesis based on initial observations can help engineers quickly define the potential cause of a problem. Hypothesis helps engineers to interpret data and can even guide them towards designing tests to make sure that the correct data is being gathered. This systematic approach can help to quickly validate or refute hypothesis, allowing engineers to find the right solution for the problem at hand. Suggested learning outcomes Students will be introduced to hypotheses and know how to create one from using a data set. They’ll also be able to evaluate the suitability and validity of the data collected as well as explain how results and ideas can be changed when we consider other variables. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including the video), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your class’s and your schools’ needs. You can download our classroom lesson plan below. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity students will investigate the design of roofs in terms of purpose and structure. This activities accompanies our Structural engineering and How to design a spaghetti roof structure resources as part of a series of activities that explores structural engineering. The lesson has been designed to either reinforce or extend basic knowledge of structures to students by providing a real-life context. It is not intended to form an introduction to structures. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the class teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Looking at the style and purpose of different roofs This activity will introduce students to basic structural concepts by looking at the familiar context of roofs. Students will start by viewing our Structural engineering starter presentation to discuss the purpose and different styles of roofs. They will next consider how their own roof might be structured. They will then be introduced to key terms relating to structural engineering such as tension, compression, structs and ties to give them context for subsequent engineering activities. By working through our presentation, students will be asked to identify which structural members are in tension and compression. Download our activity overview for a starter lesson plan on structural engineering for free! The engineering context Ingenious structural engineering has been responsible for many impressive roofs such as the O2 Arena, Stanstead Airport or Beijing National Stadium. Understanding roofs can be a gateway to appreciating the ingenuity behind larger structures like bridges, skyscrapers, and other structures that form our built environment. Suggested learning outcomes At the end of this lesson students will be able to identify the key features of a structural component. They’ll also know how to identify the various pressures a structural element can undergo. They will be able to apply their knowledge of structures to a given problem in order to design an effective solution. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including the video), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your class’s and your schools’ needs. You can download our classroom lesson plan for free! Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this hands-on activity students are challenged with designing and engineering a spaghetti roof structure. It should follow our Structural engineering starter and Structural engineering as part of a series of activities that explores structural engineering. The lesson has been designed to either reinforce or extend a leaner’s basic knowledge of structures by providing a real-life context. It is not intended to form an introduction to structures. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the class teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Designing and engineering a spaghetti roof structure In this fun activity, students will explore structural engineering principles by designing and building a strong, lightweight roof structure using spaghetti. The challenge comes from having to use the smallest amount of spaghetti and glue possible to keep the structure light and strong. One their spaghetti roof is built, students must identify which areas are in tension and which are in compression so that they decide which parts of their structure need strengthening. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on structural engineering and how to design a roof structure for free! The engineering context Virtually every building needs a roof. Sometime the function of the room can be simple, it just needs to be strong and light so that it doesn’t fall down. Other times, more ergonomic considerations need to be taken into consideration such as weatherproofing, aesthetics, acoustics, insulation and fire resistance. Civil engineers must also be able to identify areas of tension and compression in existing structures, such as older buildings or in buildings that are having renovation work done, in order to be able to make recommendations for that will strengthen and support the existing structure. Suggested learning outcomes This lesson will teach students how to identify the key features of a structural component. They’ll learn how to identify the various pressures that a structural element can undergo and also be able to apply their knowledge to create solutions to given problems. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including the video), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your class’s and your schools’ needs. You can download our classroom lesson plan for free! Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.